Cold weather in late November and early December has helped the
Fort McCoy Whitetail Ridge Recreation Area staff prepare for the
upcoming winter skiing season.

A snow-making machine spreads the
white stuff around the ski slopes at the Whitetail Ridge
Recreation Area. (Photo
by Rob Schuette)

Weather permitting, the season will run from the end December
through March 2005, said Martin Trainor, Fort McCoy Outdoor Recreation
director. The facility is open to the public.

"The cold weather we had, with a low of 9 degrees
(Fahrenheit) November 29-30, allowed us to capitalize on the weather
conditions and begin making snow," Trainor said. "We are
looking forward to the season."

Whitetail Ridge Recreation Area at
Fort McCoy will have holiday hours over the Christmas week to
serve its customers.

The holiday hours are closed Dec. 24 and 25 and open from
noon to 8 p.m. from Sunday, Dec. 26 to Friday, Dec. 31. The
facility will resume its regular hours and schedule Saturday,
Jan. 1.

The facility also will host the annual Snowfest from 9
a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005.

Customers can take advantage of special discounts for
skiing and snowboarding during Snowfest. Snowfest will include a
new event, a Paintball Tournament at the nearby Tactics
Paintball Field.

Other events include the Cardboard Class Races, Big Air
(snowboard jumping) Competitions, Tug-o-War event, the Tube
Pull, and Stretcher Races.

The event is open to the public. Anyone entering
Whitetail Ridge is required to do so by using Gate 19 off of
State Highway 21 and following the signs.

For more information, call (608) 388-4498 or the Morale,
Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Events Line at (877) 864-4969 or
visit the MWR Web site at http://www.mccoymwr.com.

Two projects should help increase the enjoyment of Whitetail
Ridge activities, Trainor said.

The first was a project to install additional concrete and a
sidewalk area by the Ski Chalet. This replaced wooden decks and grassy
areas.

The other project involved installing additional lighting for
the main skiing slopes, he said.

"The concrete projects should provide better footing in
the area and will be easier to keep clean to help customers enjoy
activities," Trainor said. "The lighting will make night
skiing more attractive to patrons."

Skiers and snowboarders can tackle four slopes, ranging from a
beginners slope to a slope more than 1,300-feet long. Trainor said the
ski slopes feature T-bar ski lifts, a handle tow for snow tubing and
lighting for nighttime activities.

Lessons will be available for skiers and snowboarders by
calling (608) 388-4498 for information. Whitetail Ridge staff will
provide the lessons.

The Fort McCoy Ski Patrol will provide safety support during
all Whitetail Ridge regular operations.

The recently opened Tactics Paintball Field, which is near the
ski slopes, will be open for winter activity, including Arctic
Paintball. Call (608) 388-3517 for hours and other details.

Other activities include a Ski Chalet and dining opportunities.
The Primo's Express is open when the hill is open. For more
information, call (608) 388-2065.

Whitetail Ridge also can accommodate group visits, Trainor
said.

The nearby Pine View Recreation Area provides year-round
lodging accommodations and is available for guests who would like to
stay in the area for more than a day. Skiing and lodging packages are
available. For information, call 388-3517.

Trainor said the pricing structure at Whitetail Ridge has been
changed slightly. Daily and/or seasonal rates and rental equipment to
use at the facilities are available and can be viewed at the Morale,
Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Web site at http://www.mccoymwr.com.

For more information about ski conditions, call (608) 388-4498.

Information about Whitetail Ridge or other MWR events also is
available at the MWR Web site or by calling the MWR Events Line at
(877) 864-4969.

Anyone entering Whitetail Ridge must use Gate 19, which can be
accessed from State Highway 21, and follow the signs.